Oak Ridge Community Band bringing a 'Touch of Latin' to Bissell Park

Friday

Aug 4, 2017 at 1:54 PM

Even though Oak Ridge Schools are already in session, it is still officially summer, and you are invited to "come on down" to A.K. Bissell Park on Sunday for the 7 p.m. “Touch of Latin” concert performed by the Oak Ridge Community Band.

Barbara Gritzner/Special to The Oak Ridger

Even though Oak Ridge Schools are already in session, it is still officially summer, and you are invited to "come on down" to A.K. Bissell Park on Sunday for the 7 p.m. “Touch of Latin” concert performed by the Oak Ridge Community Band.

This is the third concert of the summer season, and if you missed the Memorial Day and July 4 concerts, make your plans now to hear the band on Sunday night. This is a free event and a great opportunity for family and friends to enjoy a casual evening in the park. Bring chairs or blankets for outdoor seating, and enjoy refreshments from Razzleberry's Ice Cream Lab.

Band member Thom Dorris will be the tenor saxophone soloist when the Community Band performs Warren Barker's arrangement of “Over the Rainbow” from the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Dorris began playing the saxophone as a member of the John Overton High School Marching Band and jazz band in Nashville and has continued performing the saxophone in various community organizations in Sparta, Knoxville, and Oak Ridge.

Band member Tim Ford will be the trumpet soloist for Gershwin's lovely “Summertime,” accompanied by the band. Ford is a member of the Knoxville based Ensemble Swing Time big band, plays with local musical theater productions, and has recently been performing with local R&B groups, the Original Soul Sanction and the Deltas.

Another Latin tune performed by the Community Band on Sunday will be Victor Lopez's arrangement of “Fiesta Tropicale,” featuring “Oye Como Va,” “Quando, Quando, Quando,” “El Cumbanchero,” and “Brazil.”

In addition, the Community Band will perform Justin Williams's arrangement of “Crooner's Serenade” and Harold Walters's “Instant Concert,” a medley of 24 melodies from classical, multi-cultural, and jazz numbers.

The Oak Ridge Community Band is directed by Dale Pendley and will begin rehearsing on Thursday, Aug. 10, for the Labor Day concert. The band performs concerts throughout the year with summer concerts in A.K. Bissell Park and indoor concerts in the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center, First Baptist Church, and Central Baptist Church. Band members range in age from high school to 90 and represent Oak Ridge and many neighboring communities.

Area musicians interested in joining the band can call (865) 483-3044 for more information and visit www.orcb.org.